HRH The Duke of Gloucester

A manufacturer of forklifts and telescopic handlers will be presented on September 25 with the UK's most prestigious award for business performance. JCB will receive a Queen's Award in the International Trade category at a special ceremony at the JCB World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter after increasing overseas sales by more than 36% between 2004 and 2006. The award will be presented by HRH The Duke of Gloucester to Matthew Taylor, JCB's chief executive officer. Taylor says the visit is a tremendous honour for everyone at JCB Service. "This is a well-deserved recognition of the efforts of all employees in growing exports." JCB will conduct business as usual on the day of the Duke's visit so he will be able to see the centre in operation. Taylor says the company is proud to receive this award because it is the result of a huge amount of hard work from many people. "A Queen's Award enables us to showcase ourselves as a company to our customers around the world," he says. "The award is given by an independent panel of judges and recognises the strength of achievements (of) the business." Winners of the award receive an invitation from The Queen to an evening reception at Buckingham Palace. The Queen's Award has been known to boost a company's sales by up to 30% as the award raises a company's profile and encourages more customers to choose their business. This is the 23rd time JCB has won the award since 1969. (Forklift Action news #339). (Forklift Action news #328).